Benefits of Playing With Your Cat Every Day

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Do you play with your cat regularly? If so, that’s great! Playing is actually great for kitties, and can help keep your feline companion both happy and healthy. In this article from a Norwalk, CA vet, you’ll read about some great reasons to play with your cat daily.

Exercise

Our feline friends tend to get rather lazy, especially as they age. While Fluffy is certainly adorable when she’s sleeping, all those naps won’t do much for her waistline. A fun round of Catch The Red Dot will help your kitty burn some calories and keep her bones and muscles strong.

Curbing Late Night Shenanigans

Does your furballs sometimes wake you up by pouncing on her favorite squeaky toy in the middle of the night? If so, regular play sessions are definitely in order. The point is to tire your frolicsome little pet out, so she’ll sleep through the night… and be bright-eyed and bushy tailed in the morning.

Mental Stimulation

Playing also offers cats beneficial mental stimulation. Timing those tricky pounces right takes concentration. This is great for Fluffy’s mind, and can keep her mentally healthy as she ages.

Fun

It can be easy to forget that these cuddly little fluffballs are actually vicious predators in the wild. Fluffy has a deep, instinctive urge to pounce and jump, and she loves to unleash her inner huntress. Of course, kitty playtime may be just as fun for you as it is for your pet. Our feline pals are really cute to watch when they’re feeling frisky!

Bonding

Cats can form some really strong bonds with their humans. However, that friendship has to be nurtured. If you take time to dangle a feather toy or hold a laser pointer for your furry buddy, she will understand that you’re making an effort to entertain her. (Fluffy may show her appreciation in some odd ways, such as staring at you, following you, or biting you, but that’s another topic.)

Channel Kitty Angst

Just like people, cats sometimes feel angry, anxious, or nervous. Playing offers Fluffy a healthy and suitable way for her to vent any frustration she feels. Think of it as the kitty version of hitting a punching bag when you’re in a bad mood!

There are many things to love about our feline friends. Fluffy is cute, clean, hilarious, and absolutely full of charming quirks. She’s also an easy keeper. However, kitties aren’t quite as independent as they like us to think. They really do need proper care to thrive. Read on as a Norwalk, CA vet lists some common cat care mistakes.

Lack Of Stimulation

You may have noticed that our feline pals are rather drowsy little furballs. However, Fluffy can’t spend all of her time sleeping. She’ll need something to occupy herself with when she’s awake: otherwise, she’ll soon get bored and restless. Offer your kitty lots of catnip mice and plastic balls to push under the couch. Your pet may also enjoy some more modern toys, like catnip bubbles, automatic laser pointers, or remote-controlled snakes. It’s also important for you to take time to play with your cat regularly. Last but not least, give Fluffy some pet-safe plants to nibble on, as well as a comfy window seat with a good view.

Letting Kitty Roam

Many cats enjoy fun outdoor activities, like rolling around in driveways and leaving paw art on people’s cars. However, Fluffy will be much better off staying inside, where she is protected from cars, weather, predators, and other hazards. Keep your feline buddy safe and sound indoors!

Not Enough Veterinary Care

We know, given the option, Fluffy would rather take yet another nap than come visit us. (We don’t take this personally: we know that going to a strange place can be overwhelming for kitties.) However, despite what your furball thinks of her appointments, it’s important to keep up with her veterinary care needs. We recommend that all cats be microchipped, spayed or neutered, and kept current on their vaccines and parasite control products. At home, watch for signs of illness, such as hiding, vomiting, or poor grooming. Call your vet immediately if you notice anything amiss. Cats often don’t let on that they aren’t feeling well, so Fluffy could be very sick before you notice that something is wrong.

Dirty Litterboxes

Make sure to keep Fluffy’s litterbox clean. No one likes a dirty bathroom! We recommend scooping the box out daily, and changing the litter every week.

Please reach out to us, your local Norwalk, CA vet clinic, for all of your cat’s veterinary care needs. We are always happy to help!